London 2012 Olympics

Olympic athletes to receive more tickets

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 18 April 2012

British track and field athletes are to be given more tickets so that their friends and families can watch them compete at this year's London Olympics.

The British Olympic Association had promised all Team GB competitors two tickets for their first appearance at the Games.

UK Athletics has now pledged to pay for two tickets per round for those who progress in a move that aims to ensure that track and field athletes can rely on their families' support for the entirety of their event.

UKA chief executive Niels de Vos said: "This is essentially a performance decision. The last thing we want athletes to be worrying about is the cost or availability of tickets for their mum and dad, boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife.

"But it is also about recognising that without the massive support and sacrifice of friends and family, over many years, most athletes would never have made it to elite level.

"As soon as UKA heard we could access these tickets from the organisers, we made the decision to purchase them on behalf of our team, so no athlete need worry about either the availability or cost of getting their loved ones into the stadium."

Sir Steve Redgrave has predicted that Team GB will claim over 50 medals at this summer's Games.